Initial Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan Research Articles

Natural History of Quantitative Fatty Infiltration and 3D Muscle Volume After Nonoperative Treatment of Symptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears: A Prospective MRI Study of 79 Patients.

The severity of fatty infiltration (FI) predicts the treatment outcome of rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this investigation was to quantitatively analyze supraspinatus (SSP) muscle FI and volume at the initial presentation and after a 3-month minimum of conservative management. We hypothesized that progression of FI could be predicted with initial tear size, FI, and muscle volume. Seventy-nine shoulders with rotator cuff tears were prospectively enrolled, and 2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans with 6-point Dixon sequences were acquired. The fat fraction within the SSP muscle was measured on 3 sagittal slices, and the arithmetic mean was calculated (FI SSP ). Advanced FI SSP was defined as ≥8%, pathological FI SSP was defined as ≥13.5%, and relevant progression was defined as a ≥4.5% increase in FI SSP . Furthermore, muscle volume, tear location, size, and Goutallier grade were evaluated. Fifty-seven shoulders (72.2%) had normal FI SSP , 13 (16.5%) had advanced FI SSP , and 9 (11.4%) had pathological FI SSP at the initial MRI scan. Eleven shoulders (13.9%) showed a ≥4.5% increase in FI SSP at 19.5 ± 14.7 months, and 17 shoulders (21.5%) showed a ≥5-mm 3 loss of volume at 17.8 ± 15.3 months. Five tears (7.1%) with initially normal or advanced FI SSP turned pathological. These tears, compared with tears that were not pathological, had significantly higher initial mediolateral tear size (24.8 compared with 14.3 mm; p = 0.05), less volume (23.5 compared with 34.2 mm 3 ; p = 0.024), more FI SSP (9.6% compared with 5.6%; p = 0.026), and increased progression of FI SSP (8.6% compared with 0.5%; p < 0.001). An initial mediolateral tear size of ≥20 mm yielded a relevant FI SSP progression rate of 81.8% (odds ratio [OR], 19.0; p < 0.001). Progression rates of 72.7% were found for both initial FI SSP of ≥9.9% (OR, 17.5; p < 0.001) and an initial anteroposterior tear size of ≥17 mm (OR, 8.0; p = 0.003). Combining these parameters in a logistic regression analysis led to an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.913. The correlation between FI SSP progression and the time between MRI scans was weak positive (ρ = 0.31). Three risk factors for relevant FI progression, quantifiable on the initial MRI, were identified: ≥20-mm mediolateral tear size, ≥9.9% FI SSP , and ≥17-mm anteroposterior tear size. These thresholds were associated with a higher risk of tear progression: 19 times higher for ≥20-mm mediolateral tear size, 17.5 times higher for ≥9.9% FI SSP , and 8 times higher for ≥17-mm anteroposterior tear size. The presence of all 3 yielded a 91% chance of ≥4.5% progression of FI SSP within a mean of 19.5 months. Diagnostic Level II . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Functional to structural plasticity in unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss: neuroimaging evidence

A cortical plasticity after long-duration single side deafness (SSD) is advocated with neuroimaging evidence while little is known about the short-duration SSDs. In this case-cohort study, we recruited unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) patients and age-, gender-matched health controls (HC), followed by comprehensive neuroimaging analyses. The primary outcome measures were temporal alterations of varied dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) states, neurovascular coupling (NVC) and brain region volume at different stages of SSNHL. The secondary outcome measures were pure-tone audiograms of SSNHL patients before and after treatment. A total of 38 SSNHL patients (21 [55%] male; mean [standard deviation] age, 45.05 [15.83] years) and 44 HC (28 [64%] male; mean [standard deviation] age, 43.55 [12.80] years) were enrolled. SSNHL patients were categorized into subgroups based on the time from disease onset to the initial magnetic resonance imaging scan: early- (n = 16; 1-6 days), intermediate- (n = 9; 7-13 days), and late- stage (n = 13; 14-30 days) groups. We first identified slow state transitions between varied dFNC states at early-stage SSNHL, then revealed the decreased NVC restricted to the auditory cortex at the intermediate- and late-stage SSNHL. Finally, a significantly decreased volume of the left medial superior frontal gyrus (SFGmed) was observed only in the late-stage SSNHL cohort. Furthermore, the volume of the left SFGmed is robustly correlated with both disease duration and patient prognosis. Our study offered neuroimaging evidence for the evolvement from functional to structural brain alterations of SSNHL patients with disease duration less than 1 month, which may explain, from a neuroimaging perspective, why early-stage SSNHL patients have better therapeutic responses and hearing recovery.

Ultrasound findings of subpial hemorrhage in neonates

Subpial hemorrhage (SPH) is a subtype of intracranial hemorrhage characterized by damage to the adjacent brain parenchyma. The aim of this study was to describe the sonographic features of SPH in neonates. The cranial ultrasound (US) findings of neonates with SPH confirmed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were analyzed retrospectively. Initial and follow-up US and MRI scans were reviewed by two pediatric radiologists who were blinded to both clinical history and outcomes. The US features were compared with the MRI findings. Sixteen patients were included (median gestational age, 38 weeks; range, 26 to 40 weeks; 69% term). SPH was detected most often in the temporal lobe (63%), and multiple SPHs were found in seven of 16 neonates, based on MRI. Acute SPH with an underlying venous infarct (UVI) was detected on US in 15 of 16 patients: small or large fan-shaped hyperechoic lesions (n=7 and 4, respectively) and gyriform hyperechoic lesions (n=4). The sonographic yin-yang sign was observed in three of the four large fan-shaped SPH cases. The accompanying findings on US were intraventricular hemorrhage (four out of six MRI-confirmed cases), and concurrent periventricular venous infarcts (five out of nine MRI-confirmed cases). In five patients, subpial cysts were observed on follow-up US or MRI (n=4 and n=4, respectively). Acute SPH with UVI can appear as a peripheral fan-shaped or gyriform hyperechoic lesion on cranial US. SPH can be detected and suspected based on the US features of SPH with the accompanying findings.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scans of Cervical Spinal Cord Ependymoma with Changing Radiological Features over a Short Period of Time

In a 30-year-old woman with cervical ependymoma, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features changed over a short period of time. A T2-weighted MRI scan obtained 1 month before surgery showed an intramedullary tumor with mixed intensity suggesting solid and cystic components at the C4-7 level. Gadolinium-enhanced MRI showed ring enhancement, including a cystic component at the C4-7 level. However, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography revealed uptake at the C5 level, and another gadolinium-enhanced MRI scan performed 24 days after the previous scan showed only enhanced lesions corresponding to the solid component at the C5-6 level. These images changed over a short time because the spontaneous hematoma, which was enhanced on the first MRI scan, had disappeared later. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography or repeated gadolinium-enhanced MRI may be useful if the initial MRI scan suggests the presence of a hematoma in spinal ependymoma.

Acute flaccid rhombencephalomyelitis with radiculitis in a child with an enterovirus A71 infection seen for the first time in Denmark: a case report

BackgroundAcute flaccid myelitis is a serious condition of the spinal cord. More than 80% of patients experience a mild respiratory illness or fever consistent with a viral infection prior to acute flaccid myelitis development. Enterovirus A71 is known to circulate in Denmark, and has previously been associated with severe neurological symptoms. In this case report we describe acute flaccid rhombencephalomyelitis with radiculitis in an infant with an enterovirus infection.Case presentationThe 8-month-old male of Asian origin presented with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, followed by severe neurological deficits such as flaccid paralysis of the neck and upper extremities. An initial magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain was normal, and the boy was treated for encephalitis. A follow-up magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain and spinal cord 1 week later showed the development of pathological symmetrical gray matter hyperintensity lesions on T2-weighted images in the brainstem and upper medulla spinalis, and nerve enhancement in the terminal thread of the spinal cord and the cervical roots; findings consistent with rhombencephalomyelitis with radiculitis causing flaccid paralysis. Enterovirus A71 was detected in both nasopharyngeal and fecal specimens. Other differential diagnostic etiologies of viral and bacterial encephalitis, including poliovirus, were excluded.ConclusionsThis is the first case in Denmark of a patient diagnosed with acute flaccid rhombencephalomyelitis strongly linked to an enterovirus A71 infection. This case emphasizes the diagnostic importance of combining a history of respiratory and/or gastrointestinal illness, fever, and delayed onset of varying degrees of paralysis with progressive characteristic spinal and brain lesions. Analysis of respiratory, fecal, and cerebrospinal samples for the presence of enterovirus, and eliminating other differential pathogens, is essential to confirm the diagnosis.

Nonoperatively managed small- to medium-sized subscapularis tendon tears: magnetic resonance imaging evaluation with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up.

BackgroundIsolated or combined subscapularis (SSC) tendon tears are frequently found in patients with shoulder pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the structural changes associated with SSC tear in a consecutive series of patients with nonoperatively treated small size to midsize SSC tendon tears using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsIn this retrospective case series, all patients with an isolated or combined SSC tendon tear treated nonoperatively between 1999 and 2019 were identified from our MRI and clinical databases. Twenty-one patients with a mean age of 52.6 years (range 26.6-64.8, standard deviation 9.3) with a second MRI scan at a minimum of 5 years of follow-up were enrolled. The mean follow-up was 8.6 years (range 5.6-12.6, standard deviation 1.8). Initial and last follow-up MRI scans were used to determine concomitant cuff lesions, size of the SSC tear, fatty infiltration of the SSC muscle, and biceps pathology.ResultsFive patients had an isolated SSC lesion; 7 patients had a concomitant tear of the supraspinatus, and 9 patients had a supraspinatus and anterior infraspinatus tendon tear. At diagnosis, 14 patients had a type 1 SSC lesion as classified by Lafosse et al, 4 patients had type 2, and 3 patients had type 3 lesions. Nineteen patients (90%) were found to have an SSC tear progression of at least one Lafosse grade (P < .001); however, no tear had progressed to an irreparable type lesion (defined as Lafosse type 5). In addition, the size of SSC tendon tears increased significantly from 75 mm2 to 228 mm2 (P < .001). At the final MRI scan, the grading of fatty infiltration increased by 1 grade in 4 cases and by 2 grades in 4 cases (P = .042). At the final follow-up, in eight patients, the condition of the long head of biceps tendon was unchanged from the initial MRI; in nine patients, there was a newly subluxated biceps tendon, and in 6 patients, there was a newly ruptured long head of biceps tendon (P < .001).ConclusionAfter a mean of 8.6 years, almost all nonoperatively treated SSC tendon tears had increased in size, but only one-third showed additional progression of muscle fatty degeneration on MRI scan. None of the SSC lesions became irreparable during the observation period.

Incidental Pituitary Cysts in Children: Does Growth Hormone Treatment Affect Cyst Size?

ObjectiveTo evaluate the response of incidentally discovered pituitary cysts to growth hormone (GH) treatment. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed of children with pituitary cysts on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over a 5-year period. Records and images were reviewed, and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Children with pituitary cysts who received GH treatment were compared with those without. ResultsWe identified 109 children with pituitary cysts, 24 were treated with GH therapy. The average age was 8.5 ± 5.1 years. Children whose initial MRI scan was to evaluate growth hormone deficiency were more commonly male and non-Hispanic White compared with those with scans for other indications (male, 18 of 24 vs 35 of 85, P = .003; White, 23 of 24 vs 58 of 85, P = .004). Among patients who received GH treatment, 12 had follow-up MRI. Six had no change in cyst size and 6 had a decrease in cyst size. We observed no difference in the likelihood of cyst growth between those who received GH and those who did not (0 of 12 cysts with GH vs 1 of 15 cysts without GH showed growth at follow-up). No patient had neurologic deficits attributable to the pituitary cyst at any time. ConclusionIn a single-institution, retrospective study, we find no evidence of growth in pituitary cysts in response to GH therapy.

Longitudinal analysis of structural connectivity in patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy of unknown origin

ObjectivesThe aim of this longitudinal study was to clarify whether significant alterations in structural connectivity occur over time in patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy of unknown origin. MethodsA total of 40 patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy of unknown origin and with normal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on visual inspection were enrolled. All subjects underwent MRI twice involving three-dimensional volumetric T1-weighted imaging, which were suitable for structural volume analysis. Gray matter volumes were obtained using the FreeSurfer image analysis suite, and structural connectivity analyses were performed using Matlab-based BRain Analysis using graPH theory software. ResultsThe median interval between the two MRI scans was 18.5 months in patients with epilepsy. There was a general tendency toward decreased gray matter volumes on the second scan compared with the initial scan. However, the volumes of the right and left thalamus and brainstem on the second MRI scan had an increased tendency compared with those on the initial MRI scan. In measures of connectivity, there were significant differences between the two MRI scans. The mean clustering coefficient, global efficiency, local efficiency, and the small-worldness index were significantly increased, whereas the characteristic path length was decreased on the second MRI scan compared with the initial MRI scan. ConclusionsThe structural connectivity in patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy of unknown origin increases over time in the initial stage. These alterations and increases in structural connectivity may be related to underlying epileptogenicity in the initial stages of epilepsy.

The Effect of Elevated Mean Arterial Blood Pressure in Cervical Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury with Hemorrhagic Contusion

Hemorrhagic contusion in cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) is poorly understood. We investigated hemorrhagic expansion in patients with CSCI with an assigned elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP) goal of >85 mm Hg. The change in hemorrhagic area and long-term follow-up data ≥6 months after injury was studied. A retrospective review was performed from 2005 to 2016 to identify patients with motor complete CSCI with 2 cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans within 7 days of injury showing evidence of hemorrhagic contusion and assigned a MAP goal of >85 mm Hg for 7 days. T2-weighted MRI was used to calculate the hemorrhagic surface area in the sagittal plane. A calculated MAP was recorded for each blood pressure measure between the initial and follow-up MRI scans. The American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS) and American Spinal Injury Association motor scores were recorded at the final follow-up examination at ≥6 months. A total of 193 patients were identified. The mean change in the hemorrhagic area was 24.0 mm2. Of the 193 patients, the AIS grade was A for 114 and B for 79 patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the MAP and systolic blood pressure were nonsignificant predictors of hemorrhagic contusion expansion. An increased hemorrhagic contusion area on the follow-up MRI scan was associated with a reduced odds of AIS improvement of ≥1 and ≥2 points (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.97; P= 0.028; and odds ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-1.13; P= 0.008, respectively) at the final ≥6-month follow-up examination. The present study investigated the clinical safety of elevated MAP goals for patients with CSCI and hemorrhagic contusion. Elevated MAPs did not significantly increase the risk of hemorrhagic expansion in those with CSCI. We have also reported the use of hemorrhagic contusion size as a potential radiographic biomarker for neurological outcomes.

Distribution of Osteochondral Lesions in Patients With Simple Elbow Dislocations Based on MRI Analysis.

Background:The clinical relationship between osteochondral lesions and long-term outcomes and patterns in the elbow joint has not yet been established. A sole evaluation from plain standard radiography may underestimate the severity of bony lesions in patients with simple dislocations. It has been suggested that the mechanism of a posterior elbow dislocation could be inferred from the pattern of bony contusions and osteochondral lesions visible on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with simple elbow dislocations.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence and distribution of osteochondral lesions based on MRI findings in patients with simple elbow dislocations. We hypothesized that (1) osteochondral lesions are consistently found in patients with simple elbow dislocations and (2) the distribution and severity of osteochondral lesions may explain the mechanism of the simple elbow dislocation.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A retrospective review of 43 patients with simple elbow dislocations was performed in tertiary-level hospitals from January 2010 to August 2019. Two orthopaedic surgeons separately assessed the initial plain radiographs and MRI scans. Osteochondral lesions were evaluated and categorized based on whether they were located (1) on the lateral side (posterolateral capitellum and radial head; type 1) or (2) on the medial side (posterior trochlea and anteromedial facet of the coronoid; type 2). The severity of the osteochondral lesions was assessed according to the Anderson classification.Results:Of the 43 patients, 21 (48.8%) presented with osteochondral lesions on MRI. The type 1 pattern of osteochondral lesions was the most frequently observed on MRI in patients with simple elbow dislocations (69.8% of cases), and these were confirmed by simple radiography. Posterolateral capitellum osteochondral lesions were found in 13 patients. Among them, 10 (76.9%) were advanced-stage lesions (stages III and IV according to the Anderson classification).Conclusion:Osteochondral lesions were found on MRI after simple elbow dislocations at a rate of 48.8%. Osteochondral lesions in the posterolateral capitellum were associated with an advanced stage. Clinically, these findings may help surgeons in the diagnosis of osteochondral lesions and in determining how to manage patients with the progression of arthritic changes.

Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Outcome Predictors in Pediatric Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis.

To evaluate disease symptoms, and clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and to perform longitudinal volumetric MRI analyses in a European multicenter cohort of pediatric anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDARE) patients. We studied 38 children with NMDARE (median age = 12.9 years, range =1-18) and a total of 82 MRI scans for volumetric MRI analyses compared to matched healthy controls. Mixed-effect models and brain volume z scores were applied to estimate longitudinal brain volume development. Ordinal logistic regression and ordinal mixed models were used to predict disease outcome and severity. Initial MRI scans showed abnormal findings in 15 of 38 (39.5%) patients, mostly white matter T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensities. Volumetric MRI analyses revealed reductions of whole brain and gray matter as well as hippocampal and basal ganglia volumes in NMDARE children. Longitudinal mixed-effect models and z score transformation showed failure of age-expected brain growth in patients. Importantly, patients with abnormal MRI findings at onset were more likely to have poor outcome (Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category score > 1, incidence rate ratio = 3.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.31-9.31, p = 0.012) compared to patients with normal MRI. Ordinal logistic regression models corrected for time from onset confirmed abnormal MRI at onset (odds ratio [OR] = 9.90, 95% CI = 2.51-17.28, p = 0.009), a presentation with sensorimotor deficits (OR = 13.71, 95% CI = 2.68-24.73, p = 0.015), and a treatment delay > 4 weeks (OR = 5.15, 95% CI = 0.47-9.82, p = 0.031) as independent predictors of poor clinical outcome. Children with NMDARE exhibit significant brain volume loss and failure of age-expected brain growth. Abnormal MRI findings, a clinical presentation with sensorimotor deficits, and a treatment delay > 4 weeks are associated with worse clinical outcome. These characteristics represent promising prognostic biomarkers in pediatric NMDARE. ANN NEUROL 2020 ANN NEUROL 2020;88:148-159.

Combinatory Biomarker Use of Cortical Thickness, MUNIX, and ALSFRS-R at Baseline and in Longitudinal Courses of Individual Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Objective: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative process affecting upper and lower motor neurons as well as non-motor systems. In this study, precentral and postcentral cortical thinning detected by structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were combined with clinical (ALS-specific functional rating scale revised, ALSFRS-R) and neurophysiological (motor unit number index, MUNIX) biomarkers in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses.Methods: The unicenter sample included 20 limb-onset classical ALS patients compared to 30 age-related healthy controls. ALS patients were treated with standard Riluzole and additional long-term G-CSF (Filgrastim) on a named patient basis after written informed consent. Combinatory biomarker use included cortical thickness of atlas-based dorsal and ventral subdivisions of the precentral and postcentral cortex, ALSFRS-R, and MUNIX for the musculus abductor digiti minimi (ADM) bilaterally. Individual cross-sectional analysis investigated individual cortical thinning in ALS patients compared to age-related healthy controls in the context of state of disease at initial MRI scan. Beyond correlation analysis of biomarkers at cross-sectional group level (n = 20), longitudinal monitoring in a subset of slow progressive ALS patients (n = 4) explored within-subject temporal dynamics of repeatedly assessed biomarkers in time courses over at least 18 months.Results: Cross-sectional analysis demonstrated individually variable states of cortical thinning, which was most pronounced in the ventral section of the precentral cortex. Correlations of ALSFRS-R with cortical thickness and MUNIX were detected. Individual longitudinal biomarker monitoring in four slow progressive ALS patients revealed evident differences in individual disease courses and temporal dynamics of the biomarkers.Conclusion: A combinatory use of structural MRI, neurophysiological and clinical biomarkers allows for an appropriate and detailed assessment of clinical state and course of disease of ALS.

Maximum diameter versus volumetric assessment for the response evaluation of vestibular schwannomas receiving stereotactic radiotherapy.

PurposeTo explore the feasibility of maximum diameter as a response assessment method for vestibular schwannomas (VS) after stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (RT), we analyzed the concordance of RT responses between maximum diameters and volumetric measurements.Materials and MethodsForty-two patients receiving curative stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic RT for VS were analyzed retrospectively. Twelve patients were excluded: 4 did not receive follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and 8 had initial MRI scans with a slice thickness >3 mm. The maximum diameter, tumor volume (TV), and enhanced tumor volume (ETV) were measured in each MRI study. The percent change after RT was evaluated according to the measurement methods and their concordances were calculated with the Pearson correlation. The response classifications were determined by the assessment modalities, and their agreement was analyzed with Cohen kappa statistics.ResultsMedian follow-up was 31.0 months (range, 3.5 to 86.5 months), and 90 follow-up MRI studies were analyzed. The percent change of maximum diameter correlated strongly with TV and ETV (r(p) = 0.85, 0.63, p = 0.000, respectively). Concordance of responses between the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) using the maximum diameters and either TV or ETV were moderate (kappa = 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.85) or fair (kappa = 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.59), respectively.ConclusionThe percent changes in maximum diameter and the responses in RECIST were significantly concordant with those in the volumetric measurements. Therefore, the maximum diameters can be used for the response evaluation of VS following stereotactic RT.

Evaluation of brain lesion distribution criteria at disease onset in differentiating MS from NMOSD and MOG-IgG-associated encephalomyelitis

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the utility of the recently described brain lesion distribution criteria to differentiate multiple sclerosis (MS) from aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin G-associated encephalomyelitis (MOG-EM) at disease onset in an Asian cohort. Methods: A total of 214 patients who fulfilled the published criteria for MS, NMOSD, or MOG-EM and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 3 months of disease onset were enrolled. The brain lesion distribution criteria were defined as the presence of a lesion adjacent to the body of the lateral ventricle and in the inferior temporal lobe, or an S-shaped U-fiber lesion, or a Dawson’s finger-type lesion. Results: Brain lesions were identified in the initial MRI scans of 166/214 patients. The distribution criteria were applied to these scans (MS (n = 94), NMOSD (n = 64), and MOG-EM (n = 8)). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the criteria for MS versus NMOSD were 79.8%, 87.5%, 90.4%, and 74.7%, and for MS versus MOG-EM these were 79.8%, 100%, 100%, and 29.6%, respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the brain lesion distribution criteria are helpful in distinguishing MS from NMOSD and MOG-EM in an Asian population, even at disease onset.

The ability of free to total prostate-specific antigen and prostate-specific antigen density to detect clinically significant prostate cancer in men undergoing transperineal template biopsy

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of the ratio of free to total prostate-specific antigen and prostate-specific antigen density to predict the presence of clinically significant prostate cancer on template biopsies. The value of these tests may be underestimated as they were previously validated against sextant transrectal biopsy of the prostate, which has been proved to miss a large proportion of significant prostate cancers. The ability of these tests to specifically detect clinically significant cancers has not previously been studied. Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients undergoing transperineal template biopsy who also had free to total prostate-specific antigen and prostate-specific antigen density. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the comparative utility of each test in the detection of all cancers as well as clinically significant cancers, by means of the area under the curve. Results: Data from 293 patients were analysed. Prostate cancer was detected in 72% of patients, of which 62% of this group had clinically significant disease. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis demonstrated the superiority of prostate-specific antigen density and free to total prostate-specific antigen over standard prostate-specific antigen in the overall detection of cancer (area under the curve 0.662 and 0.674 vs 0.534, p=0.003 and 0.02 respectively). Both tests were even more effective in the detection of clinically significant cancers (area under the curve 0.755 and 0.715 vs 0.572, p&lt;0.0001 and 0.009 respectively). Conclusion: The free to total prostate-specific antigen and prostate-specific antigen density both appear to perform well at detecting clinically significant prostate cancer in our population of men undergoing template biopsy. The potential role of these inexpensive tests should not be overlooked as they may be of value when deciding which patients require biopsy following an initial magnetic resonance imaging scan and also for those on surveillance protocols.

Primary Anterolateral Ligament Rupture in Patients Requiring Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Retrospective Magnetic Resonance Imaging Review

Objectives:After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), only 60% of patients are able to return to their pre-injury level of sports with nearly 15% experiencing persistent rotatory instability. Young patients returning to pivoting sports experience high rates of graft tear and subsequent need for revision ACLR. Recently, the anterolateral ligament (ALL) has gained attention as an important rotatory stabilizer about the knee in prevention of the pivot shift phenomenon. It is theorized that an ALL tear at initial injury may predispose a patient to failure of primary ACLR due to persistent rotatory instability from a torn ALL. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of primary ALL rupture on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a population that required revision ACLR compared to a matched cohort of patients that did not require revision ACLR.Methods:Using CPT and ICD-9 and 10 codes, a retrospective search was performed within our electronic medical record database for patients who underwent ACLR and revision ACLR. Patients were excluded for a chronic ACL injury greater than 6 months, MRI obtained more than 3 months after initial injury, inability to obtain initial injury MRI, or presence of a multiligament knee injury. Age, sex, and graft type were recorded for every revision ACLR patient, and each revision patient was paired with a matched control that did not require revision ACLR. Two clinically blinded, fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed initial injury MRI scans to assess the integrity of the ALL. Each MRI was given a diagnosis of either an intact ALL, a partially torn ALL, or a completely torn ALL (Figure 1). The incidence of primary ALL rupture between the revision ACLR group and control ACLR group was evaluated for statistical difference using the Pearson Chi Square test.Results:1967 patients underwent ACLR at our institution between 2009-2015, and 128 patients required revision ACLR. Initial injury knee MRI was available for 55 revision ACLR patients, and 39 of these patients met inclusion criteria. For the revision cohort, the average age at primary ACLR was 21.1 years (range 13-47 years) (Table 1). Time between primary and revision ACLR was an average of 2.2 years (0.23-8.72 years). In the ACLR control cohort, the average age of ACLR was 20.9 years (range 13-47). Average length of follow-up was 0.6 years (0.21-2.8 years). The revision cohort had 17 patients with an intact ALL, 14 patients with a partial ALL tear, and 8 patients with a ALL tear on initial injury MRI. The control cohort had 18 patients with an intact ALL, 13 patients with a partial ALL tear, and 8 patients with a ALL tear. There was no statistically significant difference between the two cohorts in the incidence of primary ALL rupture (Pearson Chi-Square=0.066, p-value=0.968) (Table 1).Conclusion:The incidence of primary ALL rupture in patients undergoing revision ACLR was similar to an age and graft matched control cohort that did not require revision ACLR. These findings suggest that a primary ALL tear may not be a risk factor for subsequent ACL graft failure. It is unknown if this could be explained by an ability of the ALL to heal without intervention or if other risk factors are more important in predicting revision ACLR. Further research is needed to better understand the role of the ALL in both primary and revision ACLR.Table 1.Demographic data and ALL diagnosis for revisions and control ACLR cohorts Revision Cohort Control Cohort Total Total Patients 39 39 78 Gender (M:F)17:2217:22N/A Age at 1° ACLR, Mean (Range) 21.1 yrs (13-47) 20.9 yrs (13-47) N/A 1° Graft Type, n(%) HS Autograft25 (64.1%)26 (66.7%)51 (65.4%) BPTP Autograft13 (33.3%)13 (33.3%)26 (33.3%) HS Autograft + Allograft1 (2.6%)0 (0%)1 (1.3%) Time to Revision, Mean (Range) 2.2 yrs (0.23-8.1) N/A ALL Diagnosis (patients) Intact171835 Partially Tom141327 Completely Tom8816 Pearson Chi Square = 0.066, p-value = 0.968 ACLR=anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, HS=hamstring, BPTB=bone patellar tendon bone, ALL=anterolateralligament

Progressive Brain Atrophy in Super-refractory Status Epilepticus.

Prolonged seizures in super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) have been shown to cause neuronal death and reorganization, and visual inspection in individual case studies has demonstrated progressive cortical and subcortical atrophy. At present, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies that evaluate brain atrophy in SRSE are lacking. To document and quantify the development of atrophy over time in SRSE. This retrospective medical record review included all patients with SRSE who were admitted to a tertiary referral campus of the Mayo Clinic Hospital with SRSE from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2013. Patients with (1) an initial MRI scan performed within 2 weeks of SRSE onset, (2) a second MRI scan within 6 months of SRSE resolution, and (3) a minimum duration of 1 week between MRI scans were included. The ventricular brain ratio (VBR) was measured on T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images at disease onset and during follow-up. Measurements were performed on axial FLAIR images with section thickness of less than 5 mm. The plane immediately superior to the caudate head was chosen for analysis. The hypothesis that atrophy develops during SRSE despite seizure control (electroencephalogram background suppression with anesthetic drugs) was tested. Data were analyzed from June 1 to December 31, 2015. Change in VBR (ΔVBR) as a percentage of the starting measure. Nineteen patients met the inclusion criteria; these included 10 men (53%) and 9 women (47%) with a median age of 41 (interquartile range [IQR], 25-68) years. Anesthetic agents were required for a median of 13 (IQR, 5-37) days. Initial MRI was performed a median of 2 (IQR, 1-7.5) days from the onset of SRSE, and the second MRI was performed a median of 11 (IQR, 5-15.5) days from the resolution of SRSE, with a median of 40 (IQR, 15-65) days between MRI scans. Median ΔVBR was 23.3% (IQR, 10.5%-70.3%). A significant correlation between the duration of anesthetic agent use and ΔVBR was found (Spearman r = 0.54; P = .02). Atrophy developed in all patients with SRSE who underwent serial imaging, despite administration of agents for seizure control. The degree of atrophy appears to be related to the duration of SRSE.

Sleep Duration and Subsequent Cortical Thinning in Cognitively Normal Older Adults.

To determine the association between self-reported sleep duration and cortical thinning among older adults. We studied 122 cognitively normal participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging with a mean age = 66.6 y (range, 51-84) at baseline sleep assessment and 69.5 y (range, 56-86) at initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Participants reported average sleep duration and completed a mean of 7.6 1.5-T MRI scans (range, 3-11), with mean follow-up from initial scan of 8.0 y (range, 2.0-11.8). In analyses adjusted for age, sex, education, race, and interval between sleep assessment and initial MRI scan, participants reporting > 7 h sleep at baseline had thinner cortex in the inferior occipital gyrus and sulcus of the left hemisphere at initial MRI scan than those reporting 7 h (cluster P < 0.05). In adjusted longitudinal analyses, compared to those reporting 7 h of sleep, participants reporting < 7 h exhibited higher rates of subsequent thinning in the superior temporal sulcus and gyrus, inferior and middle frontal gyrus, and superior frontal sulcus of the left hemisphere, and in the superior frontal gyrus of the right hemisphere; those reporting > 7 h of sleep had higher rates of thinning in the superior frontal and middle frontal gyrus of the left hemisphere (cluster P < 0.05 for all). In sensitivity analyses, adjustment for apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 genotype reduced or eliminated some effects but revealed others. When reports of < 7 h of sleep were compared to reports of 7 or 8 h combined, there were no significant associations with cortical thinning. Among cognitively normal older adults, sleep durations of < 7 h and > 7 h may increase the rate of subsequent frontotemporal gray matter atrophy. Additional studies, including those that use objective sleep measures and investigate mechanisms linking sleep duration to gray matter loss, are needed.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Prediction by MRI of the Subsequent Development of Brain Lesions

Many patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) manifest the recurrence of new brain lesions on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. We assessed whether the initial MRI findings help to predict the subsequent development of brain lesions in patients with SLE. We enrolled 64 patients with SLE who had undergone initial and follow-up MRI studies. Two radiologists reviewed and categorized the initial MRI findings and divided the patients into those with no lesions on the initial and follow-up MRI scans (group A, n = 18), those with lesions on the initial scans only (group B, n = 32), and those with lesions on the first and new lesions on the follow-up MRI scans (group C, n = 14). We then looked for independent predictors of the subsequent development of brain lesions, such as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and findings on the initial MRI studies. The incidence of lacunar and localized cortical infarcts was significantly greater in group C than group B (50% vs. 0%, P < .001 and 50% vs. 9%, P < .05, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lacunar or localized cortical infarcts on the initial MRI scans were independent predictors of the subsequent development of brain lesions (odds ratio [OR]: 5.412, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-24.85, P = .03), whereas the presence of APS was not (OR: 0.621, 95% CI: 0.18-2.19). The presence of lacunar and/or localized cortical infarcts on initial MRI scans may predict the development of new brain lesions in patients with SLE.

Tumor Necrosis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Correlates With Aggressive Histology and Disease Progression in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

ObjectiveThe study objective was to correlate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with the histopathologic features and disease progression. MethodsInstitutional review board approval for this retrospective study was obtained; patient consent was not required. The initial staging MRI scans of 75 patients with histologically confirmed ccRCC were retrospectively reviewed. The imaging was assessed by 2 radiologists for the presence of tumor necrosis, cystic degeneration, intracellular fat, hemorrhage, retroperitoneal collaterals, and renal vein thrombosis. Quantitative analysis for the MRI presence of intracellular lipid within tumors was performed. MRI findings were correlated with histopathologic findings of clear cell percentage, alveolar and tubular growth pattern, and disease progression. Statistical associations were evaluated with nonparametric univariable analyses and multivariable logistic regression models. ResultsCorrelation between MRI and histopathologic features was performed in 75 patients, whereas follow-up data were available for progression analysis in 68 patients. The presence of tumor necrosis, retroperitoneal collaterals, and renal vein thrombosis on MRI was significantly associated with a low percentage of tumor cells with clear cytoplasm (P < .01) and metastatic disease at presentation or disease progression (P < .01). At multivariable analysis, necrosis remained the only feature statistically associated with disease progression (P = .03; adjusted odds ratio, 27.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-554.7 for reader 1 and P = .02; adjusted odds ratio, 29.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-520.8 for reader 2). ConclusionsNecrosis in ccRCC on MRI correlates with the histopathologic finding of lower percentage of tumor cells with clear cytoplasm and is a poor prognostic indicator irrespective of tumor size.